Opiate Addiction Warning Signs & Dangers

The Landing provides opioid addiction treatment for men rooted in a science-based, research-supported clinical model to ensure a healthier, more satisfying life.

Understanding Opioids

Learn about opioid and substance abuse

Opioids are a group of substances that include illicit drugs such as heroin and legal prescription pain medications such as OxyContin, Vicodin, fentanyl, morphine, and codeine. These substances work to depress the central nervous system in a manner that numbs an individual’s ability to experience physical pain while producing feelings of relaxation and wellbeing. These properties make certain opioids helpful to those who struggle with moderate to severe chronic or acute physical pain. However, while these substances can be beneficial to some, they can also be tremendously addictive and can quickly cause individuals to develop patterns of substance abuse. In addition, the euphoric feelings that are produced when opioids are consumed can become highly appealing in ways that cause individuals to begin using them without a medical need to do so. Again, the addictive tendencies of these substances can cause individuals to fall into patterns of drug abuse. Heroin, which is an illicit opioid, is just as addictive as prescription painkillers and can inflict significant damage on an individual’s life when it is abused.

Opioid addiction statistics

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that between 26 and 36 million people across the globe abuse opioids. Within the United States alone, NIDA estimates that about 2 million individuals are addicted to opioid-based prescription medications. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) states that the 12-month prevalence of opioid abuse is approximately 0.37% of the adult population and 1.0% of the adolescent population.

Causes & Risk Factors

Causes and risk factors for opioid addiction

The following causes and risk factors may increase an individual’s likelihood of developing opioid use disorder:

Genetic: According to the APA, genetic factors play a major role in increasing an individual’s vulnerability of battling with opioid use disorder. When a family history of opioid use disorder exists, individuals are more susceptible to grapple with similar addiction than those who do not have this type of family history. Additionally, passed-down personality traits and temperamental aspects can add to the desire to abuse substances like opioids.

Environmental: Having an injury that results in pain that is treated with opioids can increase a person’s risk for developing opioid use disorder, as can having easy access to opioids or associating with individuals who abuse opioids.

Risk Factors:

Suffering from a medical condition that warrants receiving a prescription for opioid painkillers

Family history of opioid abuse and addiction

Having easy access to opioid substances

Family or personal history of other types of substance abuse and addiction

Possessing an impulsive temperament or a novelty-seeking personality

Being surrounded by individuals who abuse opioids or other substances

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of opioid addiction

The signs and symptoms that might be shown by someone who is abusing opioids will vary from individual to individual, depending on a number of things such as the type of opioid being abused. Some of the numerous symptoms that an individual can exhibit when abusing opioids can include:

Behavioral symptoms:

Visiting multiple doctors in order to receive multiple painkiller prescriptions

Compulsive, prolonged use of opioids

Slurred speech

Engaging in drug-related crimes

Demonstrating a declined performance in work or at school

No longer fulfilling obligations at home

No longer taking part in activities that were previously enjoyed or deemed important

Withdrawing from family and friends

Using opioids in situations that are hazardous, such as driving while impaired

Physical symptoms:

Psychomotor agitation

Insomnia

Pupillary constriction

Drowsiness

Psychomotor retardation

Cognitive symptoms:

Suicidal ideation

Impaired judgment

Cravings for continued opioid use

Attention and concentration difficulties

Memory impairment

Effects

Effects of opioid addiction

The abuse of opioids can bring about a number of dangerous effects, which can include the following:

Academic or occupational failure

Homelessness

Financial instability

Legal problems due to engaging in criminal behavior

Heightened risk for suicide attempts and completed suicides

Suffering from anoxia, or a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the body’s tissues

Dry mouth and nose

Slowing of gastrointestinal activity/constipation

Impaired visual acuity

Track marks or sclerosed veins in individuals who inject the drug

Increased risk for contracting infections like HIV/AIDS or hepatitis C

Relationship disturbances/marital strife/familial discord

Co-Occurring Disorders

Opioid addiction and co-occurring disorders

Those who battle with an opioid addiction often struggle with symptoms of other mental illnesses, too. Some of the many co-occurring disorders that can occur along side opioid use disorder include:

Alcohol use disorder

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Stimulant use disorder

Persistent depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder

Other substance use disorders

Withdrawal & Overdose

Effects of opioid withdrawal and overdose

Effects of opioid withdrawal: When individuals have developed a pattern of opioid abuse but then attempt to end their use suddenly or cease the amount of opioids they are consuming, they will experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Some of the signs and effects of withdrawal can include:

Muscle aches

Diarrhea

Sweating

Fever

Pupil dilation

Dysphoric mood (feeling in a constant state of unease)

Nausea and vomiting

Insomnia

Excessive yawning

Uncontrollable flowing of tears

Effects of opioid overdose: When opioids are taken to an extent where the user’s body becomes unable to handle it, he will have placed himself at risk for overdose, which can be life ending. When opioids are chronically abused, users develop tolerance, which means that they must continue to take more of the substance in order to achieve the same effects. This places individuals at an increased risk for overdosing. Signs that could serve as warnings for a potential overdose can include the following:

“I had no idea that opioids were addictive until it was too late. It was only through the addiction treatment at The Landing that I was able to get sober.”

– Anonymous Client

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The Landing has been providing sophisticated and effective treatment in an intimate, home-like setting to men struggling with addiction in Newport, CA. Trusted and recommended by doctors and therapists, The Landing is considered the top drug rehab center for men in need of addiction and trauma treatment in SoCal.